Chasing the Terminator Line: A Theoretical Flight Around the World to Stay in the Night

The Earth spins on its axis at a staggering 1,000 miles per hour at the equator, chasing day and night in an endless cycle. But what if you could outfly the sun? What if you could circle the Earth and stay locked in darkness, forever avoiding the light? It sounds like something from science fiction, but with the right aircraft, speed, and planning, this theoretical flight might just be possible.

Let’s explore the challenges, science, and potential of flying continuously in the Earth's shadow.

The Terminator Line: Where Day Meets Night

The boundary between day and night is called the terminator line. It’s the division where the sun's rays stop hitting the Earth directly, leaving one side in darkness while the other is bathed in light. The terminator moves across the Earth due to its rotation, meaning it’s always on the move. To stay in continuous night, you would have to follow the terminator line at the same speed as it shifts.

At the equator, where the Earth’s circumference is about 24,901 miles, the terminator line moves at roughly 1,000 miles per hour (1,670 km/h). However, as you move toward the poles, the speed decreases due to the smaller circumference of the Earth.

The Flight Plan: 45 Degrees South Latitude

If you want to make this theoretical flight achievable, the southern hemisphere provides the most favorable path. At 45 degrees south latitude, the Earth's circumference shrinks to about 17,400 miles, and the rotational speed drops to approximately 724 miles per hour.

Here’s why 45 degrees south is ideal:

1. Fewer Airspace Restrictions: Most of this latitude passes over international waters, with fewer countries enforcing strict airspace control.

2. Stable Weather Conditions: While polar regions provide constant darkness in winter, the harsh and unpredictable weather would make flying incredibly dangerous.

3. Efficient Circumnavigation: With a smaller circumference than the equator, it’s possible to reduce the speed needed to keep pace with the Earth's rotation.

   
   

The Aircraft: What Could Handle the Mission?

Flying in continuous darkness requires a balance of speed, range, and endurance. Let’s consider some contenders:

1. Gulfstream G650ER

The Gulfstream G650ER is a luxury business jet capable of sustained high speeds and long ranges:

• Top Speed: 710 mph (Mach 0.925)

• Range: 7,500 nautical miles

While it’s fast, it still falls short of the 724 mph target for continuous night at 45 degrees south. With some modifications, such as mid-air refueling capabilities or tweaks to increase its speed, it could get closer to the mark.

2. Supersonic Jets (Modified)

Aircraft like the retired Concorde could cruise at Mach 2.0 (about 1,350 mph). Supersonic speeds far exceed what’s necessary at this latitude, but the trade-off comes in fuel efficiency and endurance. Mid-air refueling would become a necessity.

3. Custom-Built Aircraft

For a project of this scale, purpose-built aircraft would likely emerge as the solution. Combining modern fuel efficiency, refueling systems, and supersonic speed could make continuous flight in darkness feasible.

Logistics: The Biggest Hurdles

Achieving this mission would require more than just speed. Here are the major obstacles:

1. Mid-Air Refueling: Staying airborne for thousands of miles requires mid-air refueling, which is challenging to coordinate over international waters.

2. Airspace and Permits: Even in remote areas like the Southern Hemisphere, securing airspace permissions from multiple countries adds complexity.

3. Weather: While the 45th parallel avoids extreme polar conditions, weather systems over oceans could still interfere with the flight.

4. Fatigue and Endurance: A flight of this magnitude would push pilots, crews, and support teams to their physical and mental limits.

   
   

Why Attempt It? A Case Against Flat Earth Theory

Flights like this could serve a larger purpose beyond breaking records. One intriguing application would be using it to demonstrate the curvature of the Earth and the constant rotation of day and night. A flat Earth wouldn’t allow such a flight, as night and day would exist differently, rendering the concept of a terminator line irrelevant.

By documenting the journey and providing real-time data, such a mission could present undeniable evidence of the Earth’s spherical shape.

The Cost of Darkness: How Much Would This Project Take?

This is not a small-budget venture. A rough breakdown might look like this:

• Aircraft Purchase/Modification: $10-50 million

• Operational Costs: Fuel, crew salaries, and logistics could reach several million dollars.

• Permits and Coordination: Regulatory compliance and airspace permissions could cost hundreds of thousands.

• Research and Development: Designing the ideal aircraft or modifying existing models could demand millions more.

For pioneers and investors who thrive on innovation, this flight could represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make history.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Challenge

Staying in constant darkness while flying around the Earth is a bold, complex, and ambitious goal. It would require cutting-edge aircraft, meticulous planning, and a level of endurance that few have experienced. Yet, if achieved, it would push the boundaries of aviation, physics, and even human endurance.

For now, this remains a theoretical challenge, but in a world of innovators and dreamers, impossible is only a word.

Call to Action

What do you think? Could this flight be possible in our lifetime? Would you take the challenge to fly through eternal darkness? Let us know in the comments below!